sufficient in itself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sufficient in itself" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is complete or adequate on its own, without the need for additional support or explanation. Example: The evidence presented was sufficient in itself to prove his guilt.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It soon proves sufficient in itself.

The New York Times - Books

It's a start, but not sufficient in itself.

The Guardian

That's just another philosophical misconception, sufficient in itself to block any viable approach to AGI.

The Guardian

A verbal agreement to commission or deliver content is sufficient in itself.

The Guardian

"It is a horrible book," she writes – a phrase sufficient in itself to get me interested.

Independent

However, the "exit light" for the prime minister is not sufficient in itself to move events in the right direction.

The Economist

The internal need for a good postal service is sufficient in itself, however, to justify a high priority.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is still uncertain, however, whether the new injection of money will be sufficient in itself to bail out the troubled banks.

The New York Times

"From the discussions we have had so far, it already seems clear that a simple technical replacement will not be sufficient in itself," Mr. Höltgen said.

The New York Times

And Mr. Cohen's close relationship with Mr. Steinberg would not be sufficient in itself to prove they were part of an illicit arrangement.

The New York Times

It would be a mistake to think that the consultation process is sufficient in itself to address the public's discomfort with the proposed reforms, and to believe that most critics have now seen the conservative light.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sufficient in itself" when you want to emphasize that something is entirely capable and complete without needing further assistance or additions. For example, "The evidence was "sufficient in itself" to secure a conviction."

Common error

Avoid using "sufficient in itself" when something is merely adequate but not truly exceptional or comprehensive. Using it incorrectly can lead to an overestimation of the subject's capability and mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sufficient in itself" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that something is adequate or complete without the need for external factors. Ludwig AI explains that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples from Ludwig show the phrase qualifying evidence, data, and agreements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sufficient in itself" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to emphasize that something is complete and adequate on its own, without needing further support or additions. Its usage spans various contexts, including scientific research, news reporting, and encyclopedic entries, showcasing its versatility. While alternatives like "adequate on its own" and "complete in its own right" exist, "sufficient in itself" provides a distinct emphasis on inherent capability and completeness. To use it effectively, ensure the subject truly embodies self-sufficiency to avoid overstating its capabilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enough by itself

Highlights the sufficiency of the subject without additional factors.

adequate on its own

Focuses on the adequacy of something without needing anything else.

complete in its own right

Emphasizes the completeness and justification of something independently.

self-contained

Highlights the independence and lack of need for external elements.

independent and complete

Stresses both the autonomy and the finished nature of the subject.

autonomous in nature

Underscores the self-governing characteristic of the object.

intrinsically complete

Highlights that the completeness is an inherent quality.

self-sufficient

Emphasizes the ability to provide for oneself without external aid.

stand-alone

Indicates the capacity to function independently.

viable as is

Focuses on the feasibility and readiness in the current condition.

FAQs

How can I use "sufficient in itself" in a sentence?

You can use "sufficient in itself" to describe something that is adequate and complete on its own. For example, "The data provided was "enough in itself" to draw a conclusion."

What are some alternatives to "sufficient in itself"?

Alternatives include "adequate on its own", "complete in its own right", or "self-contained". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "sufficient in itself"?

While "sufficient" alone can imply completeness, "sufficient in itself" emphasizes that the subject's adequacy is inherent and doesn't rely on external factors. It adds a layer of emphasis.

What's the difference between "sufficient in itself" and "necessary in itself"?

"Sufficient in itself" means something is adequate and complete on its own. "Necessary in itself" implies that something is inherently required or indispensable, but not necessarily complete. For example, oxygen is "necessary in itself" for breathing, but it might not be "sufficient in itself" to guarantee survival in all conditions.